Injector device for introducing an intraocular lens into an eye and method for folding an intraocular lens in an injector device

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to an injector device for introducing an intraocular lens into an eye. The injector device defines a longitudinal axis and includes an injector tip having a through guide channel for the intraocular lens. The channel has a rear inlet and a front outlet. A cassette accommodates the intraocular lens therein and two closure tips are configured for closing the cassette. The closure tips extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis axially farther rearwardly than the rear inlet. A method for prefolding the intraocular lens in the cassette is also disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of international patentapplication PCT/EP2014/057285, filed Apr. 10, 2014, designating theUnited States and claiming priority from German application 10 2013 105184.7, filed May 21, 2013, and the entire content of both applicationsis incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an injector device for introducing anintraocular lens into an eye, which has an injector tip with acontinuous guide channel for the intraocular lens, which has a rearinlet and a front outlet. The invention also relates to a method forfolding an intraocular lens in an injector device for introducing anintraocular lens into an eye.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Intraocular lenses are inserted into an eye as implants and replace thenatural lens. Thereto, injector devices are provided, which have apiston guided in an injector tube. A receiving space for the intraocularlens is formed at the front end of the injector tube, wherein thisreceiving space can be formed in a separate cassette, which can beintroduced into a frame of the injector tube. It can also be providedthat the receiving space is formed integrally in the injector tube.Moreover, an injector tip is formed towards the front adjoining to thereceiving space, which has a guide channel, in which the intraocularlens is pushed through after shifting out of the receiving space andexits at the front in a folded state and is inserted into the eye. Thefront side of the tip is directly introduced into the eye.

In known intraocular lenses, with conventional known injector tips andinjector devices, the problem occurs that they either roll together inuncoordinated manner with regard to folding thereof such that especiallywith asymmetric lenses, which have an optical part with different curvedsurfaces, the folding is optionally effected in an undesired direction.

From United States patent application publication 2004/0267359 A1, aninjector tip for an injector device is known, which has a cassetterearward adjoining to a rear inlet in integrated manner, in which theintraocular lens can be stored. The cassette includes two cover flaps,which are pivotable relatively to each other around a longitudinal axisof the injector tip. The cassette includes two groove-like receptacles,wherein each one groove-like receptacle is associated with a cover. Theintraocular lens is disposed in these groove-like receptacles, wherein atubular receptacle forms of the groove-like receptacles upon closing thecovers, in which the lens is pre-folded, before it can enter theinjector tip. Plate-like elements are formed to the respectivegroove-like receptacles, which abut on each other with the contactsurfaces in the closed state of the covers.

Moreover, from U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,975, a cassette for an intraocularlens is known, in which a base body is formed, to which intrinsicallyrigid cover flaps are formed on the opposing sides, which are disposedthereon pivotable relative to the base part. The lens is disposed inbearing pedestals of these cover flaps and it is deformed in closing thecover flaps.

In the known implementations, the pre-folding of the lens before entrythereof into the injector tip is restricted due to the configuration ofthe cassette with regard to the procedure in folding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an injector device forintroducing an intraocular lens into an eye as well as a method forfolding an intraocular lens.

An injector device according to the invention for introducing anintraocular lens into an eye includes an injector tip with a continuousguide channel for the intraocular lens. The guide channel has a rearinlet and a front outlet. This is seen in the direction of thelongitudinal axis of the injector tip and thus also of the guide channelas well as therefore also of the injector device. Therein, the rearinlet denotes that location, on which an intraocular lens enters theinjector tip to be then be passed through and to again exit at the frontoutlet and then to be introduced into the eye.

The injector device includes at least two closing tips, which are formedfor closing a cassette receiving the intraocular lens. The two closingtips extend axially further rearwards than the rear inlet viewed in thedirection of the longitudinal axis of the injector device. With theconfiguration with respect to number and shape as well as the localposition of the closing tips, folding of an intraocular lens in theinjector device can be improved. The closing tips, which can also bereferred to as prongs or blades, allow a very adequate beginning of thefolding of the intraocular lens exact in position as well as exact insituation and time as well as the following folding such that undesiredabrupt folding operations or undesired foldings in shape and position ofthe intraocular lens can be prevented.

Preferably, it is provided that the closing tips extend spaced andparallel to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of theinjector device. By such an arrangement, with a relative movementbetween the closing tips and the cassette receiving the intraocularlens, which is performed in axial direction, particularly uniformpivoting of cover flaps of the cassette is allowed. Undesired abruptfolding operations of the intraocular lens, which optionally areassociated with undesired force applications as well as force peaks, canthereby be prevented. In this context, thus, undesired slipping ortwisting of the lens in the cassette can also be prevented. By thespaced arrangement of the closing tips, a further advantage with respectto the lever forces then to be generated on the cover flaps is alsoachieved, and with further axial displacement of the components to eachother, thus, lateral support of the cover flaps by the closing tips isalso virtually allowed. Thus, the cassette can virtually be laterallysupported by the closing tips such that they are configured inmultifunctional manner. Besides their function of closing the coverflaps of the cassette in this axial relative displacement, in addition,the guiding function and lateral stabilization of the cassette by theseclosing tips is added. Especially by the arrangement and the shape ofthe closing tips, the exact axial displacement of the cassette is alsostabilized on the one hand.

Preferably, it is provided that the closing tips are formed and disposedsymmetrically to each other to the longitudinal axis. The abovementioned advantages are thereby once again favored.

Preferably, it is provided that free rear ends of the closing tips areformed tapered and each have a bent guiding surface. Such aconfiguration is particularly advantageous since in contacting theclosing tips with the cassette, a barrier then does not have to beovercome here too, which results in stopping of the axial displacementmovement and furthermore then increased force effort for overcoming thisbarrier would be required. By this specific shaping of the closing tips,this can be prevented, and a jerk-free and continuous sequence ofmovement for axial displacement is also allowed in contacting theclosing tips with the cassette and also thereafter. The jerk-free anduniform pivoting movement of the cover flaps is particularly favorablyachieved by these bent guiding surfaces. Incidentally, here too, thealready above mentioned advantages with respect to the desired foldingof the intraocular lens in the cassette then particularly emerge.

Preferably, it is provided that in a preferred implementation theguiding surface has a steep turn-like rear section. This contortedsection, which also virtually represents a short section of a helixwinding, allows the above mentioned advantages with respect to a veryuniform pivoting movement of the cover flaps of the cassette around thelongitudinal axis of the injector device with also continuing axialrelative displacement between the closing tips and the cassette.

Preferably, it is provided that this steep turn-like rear section beginswith a rear end at the free end of a closing tip, which is furtherspaced in linear connection to the longitudinal axis of the injectordevice than a front end of this steep turn-like rear section. This meansthat the position of the steep turn-like rear section curves in thedirection towards the longitudinal axis beginning from the rear end.Such a configuration again considerably confirms the above mentionedadvantages. Moreover, in such a configuration, it is also achieved thatthe funnel-like guiding of the cover flaps of the cassette to be pivotedto a front section of the guiding surface is favored. This front sectionis then preferably formed as a slit, which serves for guiding the thenalready in particular closed cover flaps with further axial displacementof the cassette relative to the closing tips.

Preferably, it is provided that the inclination of the guiding surfaceat the rear end and thus a tangent to the guiding surface at the rearend is at a preferred angle between 60° and 100° to a tangent formed atthe front end of the guiding surface, wherein the two tangents thereinare viewed in a plane, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axisof the injector device. If the guiding surface located between the twoends is correspondingly continuously and steplessly bent and inparticular then also bent only in one direction and thus having adirection of curvature, thus, the steep turn-like guiding surface iscorrespondingly further specified at the rear section.

At least one closing tip includes a top side in the mentionedadvantageous implementation, which adjoins to the upper edge of theguiding surface. The top side is preferably flatly formed. Moreover, aclosing tip also includes an outer side, which also adjoins to theguiding surface and also adjoins to the top side and is alsosubstantially preferably flatly formed. A bottom side is formedopposing, which extends substantially in a front section of the closingtip, wherein this bottom side is preferably also formed in curved orarc-shaped manner. In this context, the curvature is also preferablyformed in the direction towards the top side and the outer side and thuspreferably convex.

In particular, it is provided that the steep turn-like rear section hasa thin rear end, which continuously widens up to a middle thickness andthen again continuously thins from the middle thickness to a front endof this rear section. Such a specification describes the area geometryof the guiding surface again more specifically. By this configuration,the above mentioned advantages with respect to improved guidance andcontinuous pivoting of the cover flaps with the required supportingfunction of the closing tips are again improved.

On the other hand, especially by the thinnings at the ends and thus thealso tapering area ends of the guiding surface, a very small-areacontact with the outer sides of the cover flaps is achieved in thefront-side first contact on the one hand, such that here high frictionsor mechanical expansions first cannot occur. With the then increasingguiding surface, the mechanical contact and the abutment between theguiding surface and the cover flaps is increased such that the guidingbehavior and the stabilization are improved.

Preferably, it is provided that the steep turn-like rear section joinsto a front section of the guiding surface extending parallel to thelongitudinal axis. By this separation into at least two sections of theguiding surface, the already above mentioned very differentfunctionalities can be achieved. By exactly this arrangement in axialdirection, the respectively required functions are very exactly achievedwith respect to the mechanical requirements and also with respect to thetemporal phases, in which they are substantially required if the axialdisplacement of the mentioned components is effected in a certaintemporal sequence to each other and for a certain period of time.

Preferably, it is provided that a guiding surface has a rear section,which has a first S-shaped extension of a top side viewed in a verticalsectional plane. In this alternative configuration of the shape of theguiding surface, the already above mentioned advantages are alsoachieved. Therein, the sectional plane is oriented in the direction ofthe longitudinal axis or parallel thereto. By this shaping of theclosing tip in a very specific direction and on a very specific side ofthe overall geometry, the advantageousness, as it was explained above,is also achieved by a different concept.

Preferably, it is provided that the guiding surface has a secondS-shaped extension in the rear section in this further implementation,which is located deeper at least in certain areas viewed over its lengthin the direction of the longitudinal axis than the first S-shapedextension. Such a configuration allows the jerk-free relativedisplacement of the closing tip to the cassette to each other in axialdirection, however allows high guiding functionality and stabilizationin lateral direction thereto on the other hand. Moreover, the pivotingbehavior of the cover flaps of the cassette is particularly favored andsupported.

Preferably, it is provided that the second S-shaped extension on aclosing element or on a closing tip is disposed facing the otheropposing closing tip and closer thereto than the first S-shapedextension of a closing tip. This second S-shaped extension is thereforecloser to the longitudinal axis than the first S-shaped extension viewedperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the injector device.Especially by this specific positioning, the above mentioned advantageswith respect to the lateral stabilization and the guidance are favored.

Preferably, it is provided that a transition between the first and thesecond S-shaped extension is formed in stepped manner at least incertain areas. Such a discrete transition configuration allowsconfiguring and keeping the axial displacement with lateralstabilization in rail-like manner to a special extent.

Preferably, it is provided that the guiding surfaces of the closing tipseach have a front section, wherein a guiding slit for guiding in axialdirection is formed for cover flaps of the cassette at least between thefront sections.

The advantages to be achieved in this respect are already aboveexplained in detail. Especially in the above mentioned first embodimentof the specific shape of the rear sections of the closing tips, thewidth of this guiding slit viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal axisis smaller than the distance between the rear sections of the guidingsurface. By such a narrow guiding slit, an in particular also exactlyfitting guidance for the closed cover flaps can be allowed with furtheraxial displacement relative to the closing tips such that unintendedpartial reopening of the cover flaps is prevented and moreover entirerotation of the cassette around the longitudinal axis is also prevented.The position of the intraocular lens, as it is achieved in thispre-folded state in the cassette before introduction into the guidechannel of the injector tip, is therefore maintained unchanged and exactin position. The further folding in the guide channel of the injectortip itself can then be continued as desired and exactly that finalfolding of the lens is achieved at the outlet of the guide channel as itcan then be optimally introduced into the eye, in particular to be ableto achieve an introduction capable of small incision.

Preferably, it is provided that the closing tips extend into an inparticular groove-like receiving space for the cassette formed in aninjector tube adjoining to the injector tip and join to an inner side ofa front bounding wall of the receiving space. By such a configuration,the closing tips are mechanically stably fixed on the one hand, recessedto a certain extent and disposed in protected manner on the other hand.Undesired hitting by other components can thereby be prevented such thatbending or breaking of the closing tips can be prevented.

Preferably, it is provided that the closing tips are formed integrallywith the injector tip. Preferably, an integral configuration of theclosing tips with the injector tube can also be provided. In particular,the closing tips are each integrally formed of plastic and in theintegral configuration with the injector tip and/or the injector tube,an integral body is then also respectively formed.

Preferably, it is provided that the injector device has a cassette forreceiving the intraocular lens, wherein the cassette includes a basepart, on which the cover flaps are disposed pivotable around thelongitudinal axis of the injector device relative to the base part. Bythese wings or cover flaps, a particularly simple and easily accessibleintroduction of the intraocular lens into the cassette can be allowedand moreover the further pre-folding in the cassette can also beeffected in particularly suitable manner.

In particular, the intraocular lens is then already disposed in thecassette.

The cassette can be formed such that it is a separate module, which canbe mechanically attached to the injector device by a user, in particularby medical personnel. However, it can also be provided that the cassetteis already attached to the injector device and is correspondinglydelivered to the medical personnel from the manufacturer of the injectordevice.

Preferably, the cassette is also integrally formed, in particular ofplastic. In this context, it is advantageous if the base part isconnected to the cover flaps via swing hinges, which can be film hingesin an advantageous implementation.

In a preferred implementation, it is provided that the cover flaps areformed bent or curved at least in certain areas. In a preferredimplementation, it is provided that these cover flaps are formedintrinsically rigid and thus non-deformable and non-bendable withoutdestruction. In pivoting around the longitudinal axis, in such aconfiguration, no deformation of the cover flaps in themselves at alloccurs, in particular not even if the cover flaps are guided or swipealong another component.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a cassette for receiving anintraocular lens, wherein the cassette is formed for assembly to aninjector device for introducing the intraocular lens into an eye. Thecassette includes a base part, on which two cover flaps are disposedmovable relative thereto, in particular pivotable. The two cover flapsare in particular intrinsically deformable in non-destructive manner.This means that they are bendable in defined manner starting from a baseshape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cassette withoutdestruction such that the bent shape of a cover flap can be changed inthis context. This flexible intrinsic deformation of the cover flaps istherefore possible to the effect that the fundamental base shape of acover flap can be changed with a bent shape preferably at least insections and thus this bending can be decreased and increased. Thisintrinsic deformation of a cover flap can be reversibly feasible innon-destructive manner and thus repeatable multiple times. By such aconfiguration of intrinsically deformable cover flaps of the cassette,the folding of the intraocular lens in the cassette can be veryindividually and defined influenced in closing the cover flaps, inparticular with such a closing movement and thus with pivoting of thecover flaps around the longitudinal axis of the cassette. Therein,intrinsic deformation and thus bending of the cover flaps is inparticular provided in such a pivoting movement of the cover flapsaround the longitudinal axis towards the longitudinal axis such that thecover flaps are virtually bento towards the longitudinal axis viewed ina plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

In an advantageous implementation of this cassette, each cover flap hasa hammerhead-shaped thickening at a free end facing away from the basepart. By this configuration, the guided pivoting of the cover flaps isagain favored in particular by closing tips of an injector device sinceespecially when the pivoting movement is already far advanced and theposition of the cover flaps is close to the final position, slippingthrough of the cover flaps besides the closing tips is not possible andthus undesired reopening of the cover flaps is prevented. Moreover, bysuch a configuration of the ends of the cover flaps, a mechanically verystable and self-retaining configuration is also achieved such that inparticular also in the closed state of the cover flaps, a mechanicallyself-stabilizing structure closed in the cross-section is provided. Thisis particularly advantageous especially in the intrinsically bendablecover flaps, which are then retained in the closed state by these morerobust and mechanically stable hammerhead-shaped thickenings and thus nocollapse of the cover flaps at all either occurs, but the very symmetriccross-sectional shape of the closed cassette is maintained.

Preferably, it is provided that the hammerhead-shaped thickenings areshaped such that they at least temporarily seat on the intraocular lensas folding stabilizers upon pivoting the cover flaps into the closedposition. Thereby, the lens is virtually encompassed to a certain extentin particular in its lateral areas, in particular in the optical part,and the folding scenario is supported and promoted.

Thus, upward slipping away of the intraocular lens in pre-folding in thecassette is preferably also prevented.

Preferably, it is provided that each thickening has an end-side contactsurface, the radial dimensions of which are larger than a radialthickness of the cover flap outside of the hammerhead-shaped orhammerhead-like thickening.

Preferably, it is provided that the cassette and the closing tips aredisposed displaceable relative to each other viewed in axial direction.By such a configuration, the pre-folding of the lens in the cassette isfeasible in much favored and defined manner.

Preferably, outer sides of the cover flaps do not have a steplesscontour course viewed in cross-section, but are stepped. Preferably, atleast one elevation is formed on an outer side. In particular, theelevation is formed for guiding engagement of closing tips forautomatically closing the cover flaps.

Preferably, a flap section formed between an elevation and an end-sidethickening viewed in cross-section (plane perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis) and thinner compared thereto (radially considered) isnon-destructively intrinsically bendable, in particular only the sectionor area is bendable. By this specific local position and/or length ofthe intrinsically bendable area in relation to other parts of a coverflap, particular advantages with respect to improved folding scenario ofthe lens in the cassette are achieved.

In particular, it is provided that a cover flap, in particular the flapsection, is reversibly intrinsically deformable such that thedeformation can be repeatedly caused and again returned.

However, it can also be provided that the intrinsic deformation iseffected plastically in defined manner and thus only once.

In particular, the deformation is inducible if end pieces or outer endsof two cover flaps contact from closing the cover flaps, but the endpieces are not yet in the final position such that in the furtherclosing operation, by the supporting forces of the end pieces to eachother, the desired deformation of the cover flaps, in particular of theflap sections, automatically arises. This is then preferably effectedwithout further mechanical support of the end pieces on othercomponents.

Preferably, it is provided that the injector device has an in particulargroove-like receiving space for the cassette formed in an injector tubeadjoining to the injector tip, which includes at least one axial guidingtrack, by which a relative movement between the guiding tube and thecassette is axially guided. Thereby, the relative movement is preset andkept in much defined manner.

Preferably, the guiding track is a slit or a groove or an aperture on abottom of the injector tube. Since the injector tube is intrinsicallyvery stable, it is particularly advantageously suitable as a support forthe cassette and also allows in this context that the guiding track ismaintained very linearly and does not twist. The axial displacement isthereby allowed in much defined manner and without jerk. Clamping orspreading is prevented. Further, an integrated configuration of theguiding track saving installation space is thereby achieved.

It is particularly advantageous if the injector device has a supportslide and the cassette with the intraocular lens is received in thesupport slide. Thereby, the cassette, which is optionally constructedslightly more filigree, and in particular if the cover flaps areintrinsically bendable, a robust, mechanically stable component isprovided by the support slide on the one hand, which advantageouslyallows the reception on the one hand and the movement of the cassette onthe other hand. The mechanical interaction with other components of theinjector device is then achieved via the support slide and in particularthe axial relative movement to the injector tube and the closing tips isspecially guided by this support slide.

Preferably, the support slide is formed with a geometry, which is formedvery warp resistant such that the above mentioned advantages arefavored. Preferably, the cassette is completely received in the interiorof the support slide such that the cassette is circumferentiallyprotected, but is accessible on the front side and from the rear on theother hand.

Preferably, it is provided that the support slide is tubularly formedand the cassette is disposed in the interior of the support slide inparticular in positionally fixed manner. Thereby, the above mentionedadvantages can be achieved to particular extent. Preferably, the supportslide is disposed in the receiving space of the injector device suchthat here too it can be embedded to a certain extent and positioned inlaterally supported manner and from below.

Preferably, it is provided that a relative movement between the injectortube and the cassette is axially guided. Thereto, the support slide iscorrespondingly coupled to the injector device, in particular theinjector tube.

In a preferred implementation, it is provided that the support slide ispositioned in the receiving space rearward spaced to the closing tips inits non-displaced base position. In this context, the receiving space isadvantageously dimensioned such that the closing tips and this supportslide can virtually be disposed in series to each other viewed inlongitudinal direction of the injector device. Thus, a very simple anduser-friendly loading of the receiving space with the support slide canbe allowed on the one hand, the accessibility both to the closing tipsand to the support slide is possible in unrestricted manner on the otherhand. Moreover, especially by such a dimensioning of the receiving spaceand the desired scenario of the relative axial displacement between theclosing tips and this support slide with the cassette is maximallyaccounted for and the movement scenario of the cover flaps much definedby the specific shaping of the closing tips in axially displacing thecomponents to each other can thereby fully be asserted.

Preferably, it is provided that the support slide has a handle element,which can be gripped by a user, wherein the support slide with thecassette is axially displaceable to the front end of the receiving spacein user-guided manner relative to the other components of the injectordevice. In such a configuration, the injector tube is fixedly connectedto a piston tube of the injector device, wherein the piston tube in thepush-out piston, by means of which the intraocular lens is shifted fromthe cassette into the injector tip, in particular the guide channel. Inthis configuration, thus, axial relative displacement between thecomponents is achieved in that only the support slide with the cassetteis moved and axially displaced.

In an alternative configuration, it is provided that the support slideis disposed positionally fixed on a piston tube of the injector deviceand an injector tube of the injector device having the receiving space,on which the injector tip is disposed, is axially displaceable relativeto the piston tube with the cassette. In this configuration, thus, thesupport slide with the cassette is not actively displaced, but theinjector tube is virtually displaced relative to the piston tube by auser.

Preferably, it is provided that the support slide has guiding blades onits bottom, which engage with a guiding track in the injector tube. Bysuch a configuration, a very simple mechanical coupling between thesupport slide and the injector tube can be allowed and the axialmovement guidance can be very simply effected. Moreover, undesiredmovement in a direction lateral or oblique to the longitudinal axis isprevented.

Preferably, the guiding blades are formed as flexible locking elements.These locking elements, which can also be formed as snap-in elements,allow simple and secure mechanical coupling of the components and engagebehind the guiding track. In this context, it is advantageous if theguiding track is an aperture or a slit such that these guiding blades inthe form of the locking elements extend through the guiding slit andvirtually come to lie then encompassing the edge of the slit at theoutside. The above mentioned advantages are thereby particularlyfavored.

Preferably, it is provided that an engaging space for the closing tipsis formed between an inner wall of the support slide and outer sides ofpivotable cover flaps of the cassette. By this configuration, sufficientmovement of the cover flaps for pivoting thereof is allowed on the onehand and yet suitable guidance of this pivoting is achieved on the otherhand.

Preferably, it is provided that the closing tips and the cassette aredisposed such that in an axial relative displacement between thecassette and the closing tips, the closing tips contact outer sides ofopened cover flaps, and in further axial displacement between thecassette and the closing tips relative to each other, the cover flapsare automatically pivotable around the longitudinal axis of the injectordevice and closable by the closing tips. The advantages achieved thereinare already above extensively explained.

Preferably, it is provided that a top ceiling side of an inner wall ofthe support slide is formed curved, in particular dome-like formed, anda radius of the curvature is larger than a radius of the curvature ofthe cover flaps at least in certain areas. Thereby, closing of the coverflaps can be effected in unimpeded and in desired manner.

In particular, it is provided that the cover flaps in pivoting aroundthe longitudinal axis of the injector device abut on the ceiling sideduring the pivoting operation at least in certain phases or temporarilyand thereby are intrinsically bendable. Especially in theconfigurations, in which the cover flaps are intrinsically deformable,this can be provided. This intrinsic bending in closing is thereforeperformed in correspondingly defined manner. This defined performing istherefore effected both with regard to the degree of the bending andwith regard to the point of time, at which the bending is to be effectedduring pivoting of the cover flaps. The scenario induced with regard tothe degree and/or the point of time of deformation is therebyautomatically performed.

Preferably, it is provided that hammerhead-shaped or hammerhead-likethickenings at free ends of the cover flaps are contacted only withouter ends of the contact surfaces of the hammerhead-like thickenings inpivoting by the intrinsic bending of the cover flaps, in particular ofarc-shaped flap sections. Thus, first, a linear or very small-areamechanical contact between the thickenings is achieved. This isparticularly advantageous to cause a defined movement scenario of theintrinsically bent cover flaps in the further closing operation suchthat they again assume their non-deformed basic shape and then thedefined completion of the pre-folding of the intraocular lens in thecassette can also be specifically effected in this operation.

Preferably, the cover flaps and the thickenings are formed such that thecontact surfaces of these hammerhead-like thickenings lean to each otherin further pivoting around the longitudinal axis into the closed finalposition of the cover flaps and thereby the intrinsically bent state ofthe cover flaps is automatically returnable into the base position. Thebase position is provided with arc-shaped flap sections in this context,but which are then less severely bent than in the intrinsically bentstate.

In a preferred implementation of the cassette, it is provided that ithas an upward pivotable securing cover for the lens besides the coverflaps. The securing cover is therefore an additional further componentbesides the cover flaps. Upward falling out or undesired forwardslipping in the direction of the longitudinal axis is thereby prevented.

Preferably, the securing cover is relatively pivotable with respect tothe base part of the cassette. In particular, the securing cover isconnected to the base body or the base part via a film hinge and upwardand downward pivotable relative thereto.

Preferably, the securing cover has a hook-shaped securing bracketextending forwards. The above mentioned advantages are therebyparticularly achieved and the cover flaps are not restricted withrespect to their shaping and local positioning in the opened state.

Preferably, it is provided that the securing cover is closed in theopened state of the cover flaps.

In a particularly preferred implementation, it is provided that thesecuring cover has lifting elements, in particular lifting flanks, whichin closing the cover flaps and thus in pivoting thereof around thelongitudinal axis of the cassette are contacted by them and automaticopening of the securing cover can be performed in further closing of thecover flaps.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for folding anintraocular lens in an injector device for introducing an intraocularlens into an eye, which has an injector tip with a continuous guidechannel for the intraocular lens, which has a rear inlet and a frontoutlet. At least two closing tips of the injector device extendingaxially further rearwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis ofthe injector device than the rear inlet, in an axial relativedisplacement between the closing tips and a cassette, in which theintraocular lens is disposed, pivot the opened cover flaps of thecassette around the longitudinal axis, and the intraocular lens ispre-folded in the cassette by the pivoting. The advantages achievablethereby are already mentioned above.

Preferably, in displacing the cassette in axial direction relative tothe closing tips, engaging of the closing tips between a support slideand the cassette received in the carrier slide is achieved. The closingtips abut on outer sides of the cover flaps with guiding surfaces and bythe shaping of the guiding surfaces, in further exclusively axialdisplacement between the closing tips and the cassette, transition ofthe cover flaps into their closed final position is performed. Alone bythe exclusively axial relative displacement between the closing tips andthe cassette, the cover flaps of the cassette are automatically pivotedaround the longitudinal axis and closed. In particular, further guidingof the closed cover flaps in a guiding slit between the closing tips isperformed. This is preferably effected until a final position betweenthe cassette and an injector tube of the injector device is achieved,and then subsequently the intraocular lens is shifted out of thecassette into the injector tip or the guide channel thereof.

Further advantageous implementations of the method according to theinvention are constituted by advantageous implementations of theinjector device or the cassette. The objective features mentioned heretoin the injector device and the cassette serve individually or incombination for realizing corresponding method steps.

With respect to the terms of “rear” or “front”, this is defined to eachother viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis and with regardto the injector tip.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a packaging and transport devicefor an intraocular lens. The device includes a transport container andan injector device according to the invention or an advantageousconfiguration thereof. The injector device can be introduced into thetransport container, and in particular in the finished state of thepackaging and transport device, the injector device is positionallystably disposed in the transport container. In this final state of thepackaging and transport device, an intraocular lens is disposed in theinjector device. In this packaging and transport device for anintraocular lens, the already above mentioned advantages clearly takeeffect. Besides improved operability, the damage of the intraocular lenscan be reduced. Moreover, additional auxiliary tools such as for exampletweezers or the like are not required to remove the intraocular lensfrom the transport container in required use in a surgical procedure.

Preferably, a sterile liquid is contained in the transport container, inwhich the lens is immersed disposed. After packaging and thus also inthe transport, the lens is surrounded by this sterile liquid such thatundesired contaminations can be avoided here too. In particular, thetransport container is closed with a covering on a top side such thathere too contaminations cannot enter the receiving space of thetransport container. Moreover, shipping is possible without liquid lossin this respect.

Preferably, a sterile and germ-free closure of the transport containeris ensured by the covering. Thus, adherence of the covering or thermallywelded connection can be provided here. Thus, the transport container iscompletely closed for storage and for transport. The covering can betransparently formed at least in certain areas such that the retainingdevice and also the intraocular lens in the transport container can beseen. Information about parameters characterizing the intraocular lenscan be indicated on the covering.

Overall, by the packaging and transport device and the injector device,an overall system is provided, which ensures a highly functionalprocedure from the production and packaging of the lens up to insertionof the lens into the eye. This is improved in particular with regard tothe compliance with the sterilization operations and the germ-freetreatment of the lens as well as with regard to the user-friendlyoperability and coordinated sequences in the use of the lens. If such alens is virtually used in a surgical procedure and the packaging andtransport device of the intraocular lens according to the invention oran advantageous configuration thereof is already delivered to themedical personnel, thus, only the packaging has to be opened by removingthe covering from the transport container. The medical personnel onlyhave to remove the injector device from the transport container andperform the explained initial movements to be able to achieve thefurther automatic loading of the injector tip with the lens.

In that at least one of the front-side openings of the receivingcontainer is closed by a very thin foil, it can be allowed that theintraocular lens is already directly introduced into the cassette andthe cassette is therefore formed in multifunctional manner. This, sinceit thus also has the integral function of the transport container. Thecassette according to the invention is therefore a component, whichconstitutes the transport container itself on the one hand, also exactlyconstitutes the component on the other hand, which is connected or canbe connected to the injector device and which then allows in the stateconnected to the injector device that the intraocular lens locatedtherein can be shifted out of the cassette. By the foil, mechanicallystable closure is also allowed, which also allows the sterile storage ofthe intraocular lens in the cassette on the other hand.

Preferably, a balanced salt solution or pure water is disposed in theinterior of the receiving container. The intraocular lens locatedtherein is thereby stored in sterile manner.

By the attachment of a foil to at least one of the front sides, thisfoil can also be processed in simple manner low in effort to then beable to subsequently output the intraocular lens from the receivingcontainer. This in particular if this intraocular lens is to be shiftedout of this cassette by a piston of the injector device.

In particular, thus, after completion of the cassette, the intraocularlens is introduced into the receiving container and the balanced saltsolution. Thereafter, at least one of the openings is closed by thefoil. The cassette thus provided therefore includes a hermeticallyclosed receiving container, in which the intraocular lens is alreadystored and integrated in sterile manner. A cassette thus formed can thenfurthermore already be integrated in an injector device such that thecomplete injector device can already be provided and subsequently thenbe delivered and optionally delivered to a surgeon. In such aconfiguration, thus, the amount of work and in particular the assemblyeffort is minimized.

It is particularly advantageous if a foil is a coextruded foil. For sucha specific foil, it is possible in a manner to be particularlyemphasized that a hermetically tight seal of the opening with the foilcan be ensured on the one hand. On the other hand, thereby, it isachieved that a particularly sterile barrier is also generated by thefoil such that undesired contaminations cannot enter the interior of thereceiving container. Moreover, this coextruded foil also ensures thedesired flexibility with regard to the subsequent removal or piercingwhen the intraocular lens is to be shifted out of the cassette.

It is advantageous that the coextruded foil has an aluminum layer.Herein, aluminum is a material to be particularly emphasized to be ableto achieve the sterile barrier of the foil.

Advantageously, it is provided that the coextruded foil has propylene,in particular includes a polypropylene layer. In particular, thismaterial component is suitable for hermetically sealing and attaching tothe receiving container. Therein, the polypropylene material can beconnected to the material in the receiving container in particularlysealing manner.

Preferably, the coextruded foil is formed to the effect that it has apolypropylene ply, on which an aluminum ply is formed. The aluminum plyis then preferably also covered by a varnish or other coating.

Preferably, it is provided that a foil is formed two-ply on an opening.This is in particular conceived to the effect that the ply closer to thereceiving container is fixedly connected thereto such that the sealingand sterile barrier is ensured. The second ply facing away from thereceiving container is in particular conceived to the effect that it isin particular not fixedly connected to the first ply in the overlap areawith the first ply. Thus, a certain relative movability to the first plyis ensured.

In particular, the cassette can be a receiving container for storing ahydrophilic lens in a water medium (pure or salty water).

Preferably, it is provided that the cassette is steam sterilized and theinjector tip and the injector tube are sterilized by ethylene oxide.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 a perspective representation of an embodiment of an injectordevice according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial representation of the injector device according toFIG. 1 in perspective sectional view;

FIG. 3 is the injector device according to FIG. 1 in an operating statedifferent from FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial representation of the injector device according toFIG. 3 in perspective sectional view;

FIG. 5 is a perspective representation of an embodiment of a cassetteaccording to the invention for receiving an intraocular lens with anadditional support slide;

FIG. 6 is a further perspective representation of the device accordingto FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective sectional view of the device according to FIG. 5and FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective representation of the device according to FIG. 5to FIG. 7 with closed cover flaps of the cassette;

FIG. 9 is a partial representation of the injector device according toFIG. 1 in enlarged view;

FIG. 10 is a perspective representation of a partial section of theinjector device according to FIGS. 1 to 4 in a further intermediateoperating state;

FIG. 11 is a perspective representation of an embodiment of a cassetteaccording to the invention in the opened state of the cover flaps;

FIG. 12 is the cassette according to FIG. 11 with closed cover flaps;

FIGS. 13A to 13C are sectional representations of partial views ofvarious embodiments of cover flaps of the cassette according to FIG. 11and FIG. 12 with partially shown intraocular lens;

FIG. 14 is a sectional representation of the cassette according to FIGS.11 and 12 with received intraocular lens in the opened state of thecover flaps;

FIG. 15 is a sectional representation of the arrangement according toFIG. 14 in a first intermediate operating state with partially pivotedcover flaps;

FIG. 16 is a sectional representation of the arrangement according toFIG. 14 and FIG. 15 with further pivoted cover flaps in a furtherintermediate operating state;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the arrangement according to FIG. 14 toFIG. 16 with closed cover flaps;

FIG. 18 is a sectional representation of the injector device accordingto FIGS. 1 to 3 with the cassette with closed cover flaps according tothe representation in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective representation of a further embodiment of aninjector device according to the invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective representation of a packaging and transportdevice with an injector device according to FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a plan view of a partial section of the injector deviceaccording to FIG. 19 with closing tips shown from above;

FIG. 22 is a perspective representation of the components in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a side view of partial components of the representation inFIG. 21 and FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a plan view of the representation in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a further perspective representation of the componentsaccording to FIGS. 21 and 22;

FIG. 26 is a perspective sectional view of the representation in FIG.25;

FIG. 27 is a perspective representation of the components as they areshown in FIGS. 23 and 24;

FIG. 28 is a perspective representation of an embodiment of a deviceincluding a support slide and a cassette for an intraocular lens;

FIG. 29 is a further perspective representation of the device accordingto FIG. 28 without end-side covering elements;

FIG. 30 is a perspective representation of the device according to FIG.29 in a state received in an injector tube of the injector device;

FIG. 31 is a front view of the representation in FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a front view of an embodiment of a cassette according to theinvention for receiving an intraocular lens;

FIG. 33 is a perspective representation of the cassette according toFIG. 32 with partially lifted pivoting cover and partially closed coverflaps;

FIG. 34 is a sectional representation of the implementation in FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a sectional representation of the injector device accordingto FIG. 19 in a first operating state;

FIG. 36 is a sectional representation of the injector device accordingto FIG. 35 in a second operating state;

FIG. 37 is a sectional representation of the injector device accordingto FIG. 35 and FIG. 36 in a further operating state;

FIG. 38 is a perspective representation of the injector device accordingto FIG. 35 to FIG. 37 in a further operating state;

FIG. 39 is a perspective sectional representation of the injector deviceaccording to FIG. 35 to FIG. 38 in a further operating state;

FIG. 40 is a representation of a partial section of the injector deviceaccording to FIG. 35;

FIG. 41 is an enlarged partial representation of the injector deviceaccording to FIG. 36;

FIG. 42 is an enlarged representation of the injector device accordingto FIG. 37;

FIG. 43 is an enlarged representation of a partial section of theinjector device according to FIG. 38;

FIG. 44 is an enlarged partial representation of the injector deviceaccording to FIG. 39;

FIG. 45 is an enlarged representation of a partial section of theinjector device according to FIGS. 35 to 39 in a further intermediateoperating state between the operating states according to FIGS. 36 and37; and,

FIG. 46 is an enlarged representation of the view in FIG. 45.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1, an embodiment of an injector device 1 is shown in aperspective representation, which is formed for introducing anintraocular lens into an eye. In the shown implementation, the injectordevice 1 includes an injector tip 2 connected to an injector tube 3. Theinjector tube 3 is displaceable in the direction of a longitudinal axisA of the injector device 1 relative with respect to a piston tube 4. Thepiston tube 4 is provided for receiving a piston 5, which isdisplaceable in axial direction. The intraocular lens is shifted out ofa cassette 6 (FIG. 2) and shifted into a guide channel 7 (FIG. 2) of theinjector tip 2 by the piston 5.

As is shown in FIG. 1, the injector tube 3 has an upwards open receivingspace 8, which is formed for receiving a device 9. The device 9 includesthe cassette 6 and a support slide 10. In the shown implementation, thesupport slide 10 is formed as an integral tubular component. In theinterior 11 (FIG. 2), the cassette 6 is stationarily positioned to thesupport slide 10.

The receiving space 8 has an axial length (x-direction), which isgreater than a length of the device 9 and thus also larger than thelength of the support slide 10. As can be taken from the representationsin particular in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the cassette 6 is completelyreceived in the interior 11 and does not extend beyond the dimensions ofthe support slide 10 in axial direction.

In the shown implementation in FIG. 1, the support slide 10 is closedwith a covering element at a front end 10 a. Above and below, theindications to “front” and “rear” components relate to their position inthe direction of the longitudinal axis A with regard to the tip 2 of thedevice 1. The covering element 12 can be plate-like and intrinsicallyrigidly formed. However, it can also be a foil, for example a coextrudedfoil. However, it can also be a foil, on which a rigid element forgripping is disposed, by which the foil can then be peeled off.

At a rear end 10 b, the support slide 10 is fixedly connected to thepiston tube 4. As it is in particular apparent thereto in FIG. 2, thepiston tube 4 is internally hollow and the piston 5 is axiallydisplaceable biased by a spring 13.

The injector tip 2 includes the already mentioned guide channel 7, whichhas a rear inlet 7 a and a front outlet 7 b. The rear inlet 7 a isdisposed facing the receiving space 8 and the intraocular lens 14 (FIG.2) shifted out of the cassette 6 can be shifted into the guide channel 7via this rear inlet 7 a. The front end and thus the front outlet 7 b canbe introduced into a small incision in the eye to be operated andthereto the intraocular lens 14 can be shifted into the eye from theinjector device 1.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the guide channel 7 tapers viewed fromits rear inlet 7 a to its front outlet 7 b, wherein this is especiallycontinuously effected.

As shown, the injector device 1 includes two closing tips 15 and 16.These closing tips 15 and 16, which can also be referred to as closingprongs or closing blades or closure fingers, extend parallel to eachother and spaced to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis A.With regard to the longitudinal axis A, the two closing tips 15 and 16are positioned symmetrically opposing thereto and formed symmetricallyto each other. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the closing tips 15 and 16extend in the receiving space 8. They come to a front delimiting wall17, which delimits the receiving space 8 on the front side. Thedelimiting or bounding wall 17 is configured integrally with theinjector tip 2 in the shown implementation. The closing tips 15 and 16are configured for closing cover flaps of the cassette 6 when an axialrelative displacement between the closing tips 15 and 16 of the cassette6 is effected.

As is illustrated in the operating state clarified here in FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 thereto, the device 9 with the support slide 10 and the cassette6 is positioned at the rear end of the receiving space 8 and thus apositional initial state is occupied. In this position, in particular,contact between the closing tips 15 and 16 and the cassette 6 does notyet exist.

The closing tips 15 and 16 are analogously formed such that thefollowing explanation to the closing tip 15 as it is illustrated in FIG.2 in enlarged manner also applies to the closing tip 16.

The closing tips 15 and 16 extend further rearwards than the rear inlet7 a of the injector tip 2 viewed in axial direction. As is in particularapparent in FIG. 2, the cassette 6 is positioned in the interior 11 suchthat an engaging space 21 is formed between an inner wall 18 of thesupport slide 10 and the cover flaps 19 and 20 (FIG. 5) of the cassette6. The closing tips 15 and 16 engage with this engaging space 21 if anaxial relative displacement between the closing tips 15 and 16 and thedevice 9 is effected.

The closing tip 15 includes a rear first length section 22, which tapersto a rear end 23 of the closing tip 15. A top side section 24 of a topside of the rear first section 22 is configured with a first S-shapedextension, wherein this first S-shaped extension is formed in asectional plane extending in the x-z plane. This ramp-like rise with thefirst S-shaped extension then transitions into a front second lengthsection 25 of the closing tip 15 in a flatly configured top side section26. By the top side sections 24 and 26, a part of a guiding surface 27is formed. The guiding surface 27 complements itself afterwards by asecond S-shaped extension of a top side 28 in the first rear section 22.This second S-shaped extension is also to be understood in a sectionalplane, which extends in the x-z plane.

As is apparent from the representation in FIG. 2, this second S-shapedextension of the top side section 28 then also transitions into a flattop side section 29 in the front second section 25 of the closing tip15.

As is apparent thereto in FIG. 2, in height direction and thus inz-direction, the second S-shaped extension and thus the top side section28 is located deeper than the top side section 24. Similarly, the topside section 29 is located deeper than the top side section 26. Thus,the guiding surface 27 is in particular constituted by the top sidesections 24, 26, 28 and 29.

Between the top side sections 24 and 28, a stepped transition 30 is atleast partially formed viewed over the length and thus over theextension in x-direction. Correspondingly, a stepped transition 31 isalso formed between the top side sections 26 and 29. As is shownaccording to FIG. 2, the top side sections 28 and 29 located deeper aredisposed closer to the longitudinal axis A than the top side sections 24and 26 located higher. The top side sections 28 and 29 located deeperare thus formed facing the closing tip 16.

Moreover, the injector tube 3 also has a guiding slit 32, which isformed in a bottom 33 of the injector tube 3. The device 9 is disposedengaging with this guiding slit 32 such that the axial relativedisplacement of the injector tube 3 relative to the device 9 and to thepiston tube 4 is correspondingly guided and laterally stabilized.

In FIG. 3, the injector device 1 is shown in an operating statedifferent from FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In contrast to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,here, the completely shifted-back state of the injector tube 3 relativeto the piston tube 4 is illustrated. In this configuration, the device 9with the support slide 10 is therefore in particular disposed abuttingon the bounding wall 17. In this implementation, the closing tips 15 and16 are positioned maximally shifted into the interior 11.

Due to the shaping of the closing tips 15 and 16, on this movement pathbetween the operating states according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 on the onehand and FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 on the other hand, by this axial relativedisplacement, movement of the cover flaps 19 and 20 of the cassette 6around the longitudinal axis A is automatically effected such that theyare transitioned starting from the completely opened state shown in FIG.2 into the completely closed state shown in FIG. 4 and this isautomatically effected.

Thereby, the intraocular lens 14 first preferably stored in thenon-deformed state in the cassette 6 is positioned in the desiredpre-folded final position in the cassette 6 in the operating stateaccording to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. As is apparent in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, thesupport slide 10 includes a channel in the rear area, in which ashift-out element 34, which is preferably formed of an elasticallydeformable material, is disposed. This component also referred to asdamping element is shifted into the interior 11 by the piston 5 inshifting the intraocular lens 14 out of the cassette 6 such that thepiston 5 does not directly come into contact with the intraocular lens14. This has advantages to the effect that the very hard and stiffpiston 5 then does not cause mechanical damage to the intraocular lens14.

As is apparent in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, a covering element 35 is alsodisposed at the rear end 10 b, which can also be a foil. This coveringelement 35 is then pierced by the piston 5 and the element 34 is shiftedinto the interior 11. However, according to the representation in FIG.4, this is only effected if the operating state according to FIG. 3 andFIG. 4 is achieved on the one hand and then the piston 5 is shiftedforward in axial direction.

Moreover, in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, a base part 36 of the cassette 6 is alsoapparent, which is fixedly connected to the support slide 10. Thereto, aconfiguration T-shaped in cross-section of the base part 36 is forexample formed such that certain anchoring of the cassette 6 in thesupport slide 10 is achieved. The two cover flaps 19 and 20 are disposedon this base part 36 pivotable relative thereto. In particular, thecassette 6 is integrally formed of plastic and the cover flaps 19 and 20are disposed thereon via film hinges 37 and 38 (FIG. 5).

In FIG. 4, the final pre-folded state of the intraocular lens 14 in thecassette 6 is shown, before this intraocular lens 14 is thensubsequently shifted into the guide channel 7.

In FIG. 5, a perspective representation of an embodiment of the device 9is shown. The tubular configuration of the support slide 10 isillustrated. Moreover, guiding blades 39 formed on a bottom side 40 ofthe support slide 10 are also shown. By means of these guiding blades39, the engagement with the guiding track 32 is allowed.

In FIG. 6, a further perspective representation of the device 9, as itis shown in FIG. 5, is illustrated. The cover flaps 19 and 20 areillustrated in completely opened state. The inner wall 18 of the supportslide 9 bounding the interior 11 includes a dome-like or curved ceilingside 41 such that a tunnel is formed.

In the shown embodiment, the cover flaps 19 and 20 are intrinsicallydeformable. In particular, the deformation is effected in defined mannerand thus in directed and autonomous manner by the closing operation. Ina non-deformed base position, these cover flaps 19 and 20 have, as itshown in FIGS. 5 to 7, an arc-shaped flap section 42. At a front freeend 43 of this arc-shaped flap section 42, a hammerhead-shapedthickening 44 is formed. This is realized in the cover flap 20 inanalogous manner.

The cover flaps 19 and 20 have outer sides 19 a and 20 a. They are notstraight, but formed with different curvatures. This arises by differentradial thicknesses of length areas of the cover flaps in their lengthsviewed in the direction around the axis A. Thereto, the cover flaps havethinner flap sections 42 and 47 besides the end-side thickenings 44 and45, to which thicker areas then again adjoin as outward formedelevations 19 b and 20 b on the other hand. The flap sections 42 and 47are intrinsically reversibly bendable in repeated manner perpendicularto the axis A, but can also be formed only for defined onetime and thusplastic deformation.

In particular, the base part 36 is rigid and not deformable around thelongitudinal axis A. The intrinsic deformability of the cover flaps 19and 20 means that they can non-destructively deform their arc-shapedstructure around the longitudinal axis A such that the arc shape can beenhanced or mitigated. This is effected over the entire length of thecover flaps 19 and 20 viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axisA, but respectively in the same manner such that undesired twistingaround the axis A is prevented.

By this possibility that the cover flaps 19 and 20 are able tointrinsically deform at least in certain areas along their lengths(measured in the cross-section perpendicular to the axis A in thedirection around the axis A) in length sections perpendicular to theaxis A, the pre-folding of the intraocular lens 14 in the cassette 6 isfavored.

The procedure in this respect will be explained later. In FIG. 8, aperspective representation of the device 9 is shown, in which the coverflaps 19 and 20 are illustrated in the completely closed state. Thehammerhead-like thickening 45, which is disposed at the free end 46 ofthe cover flap 20, is also apparent.

In FIG. 9 an enlarged representation of a section of FIG. 1 is shown.The configuration of the closing tips 15 and 16 is shown. Moreover, itis also shown that the transition 30 between the top side sections 24and 28 diminishes from the beginning of the rear section 22 up to therear end 23 or the stepping decreases.

In FIG. 10, a representation of the section according to FIG. 9 isshown, in which a further intermediate operating state is illustratedand in which the closing tips 15 and 16 are already shifted into theinterior 11 in certain areas. The contact of the guiding surfaces 27 ofthe closing tips 15 and 16 with outer sides (19 a, 20 a) of the coverflaps 19 and 20 is already effected.

In FIG. 11, a perspective representation of an embodiment of thecassette 6 is shown, wherein here the cover flaps 19 and 20 are shown inthe opened state. It is apparent that the arc-shaped flap sections 42and 47 are deformable perpendicularly to the axis A, wherein the radialthickness thereof is smaller thus viewed perpendicular to the axis Athan the radial dimensions of the thickenings 44 and 45 as well as ofthe elevations (19 b, 20 b).

Moreover, the web-like thickenings 44 and 45 extend in radial directionand thus perpendicular to the axis A on both sides of the ends 43 and46.

The two hammerhead-like thickenings 44 and 45 have outer ends 48 and 49as well as inner ends 50 and 51 viewed in radial direction. Betweenthese ends 48 and 50 on the one hand and 49 and 51 on the other hand,contact surfaces 52 and 53 are formed. As it is apparent in FIG. 12thereto, in which a perspective representation of the cassette 6 withcompletely closed cover flaps 19 and 20 is shown, these contact surfaces52 and 53 abut on each other on full surface.

In FIGS. 11 and 12, the tubular configuration of the cassette 6 isapparent.

In FIGS. 13A to 13C, front views of the different configurations of acassette 6 with introduced intraocular lens 14 are shown, wherein heredifferences in the cross-sectional configurations of the cover flaps 20are in particular illustrated. In particular, different cross-sectionalshapes of the hammerhead-like thickenings 45 are illustrated. Therein,different shapings of those partial areas of the hammerhead shaperesult, which face the intraocular lens 14.

In the following FIG. 14 to FIG. 17, the scenario for pre-folding theintraocular lens 14 in the cassette 6 is explained in more detail.

Thereto, in FIG. 14, the basic state is shown, in which the cover flaps19 and 20 are completely opened and the cover flaps 19 and 20 are shownin themselves in a bent, but non-deformed basic state, wherein the basicshape of the arc-shaped flap sections 42 and 47 is therein shown. Inthis state, the intraocular lens 14 is not yet bent and rests on theinner sides of the cover flaps 19 and 20.

Starting from this state, in an axial relative displacement to eachother between the closing tips 15 and 16 and the cassette 6 theneffected, contact of the guiding surfaces 27 of the closing tips 15 and16 on the outer sides 19 a, 20 a of the cover flaps 19 and 20 and theylift them according to the arrows P1 and P2 in FIG. 15 such that theyare pivoted around the longitudinal axis A perpendicular to the figureplane.

Since the flap sections 42 and 27 have a smaller radius than therespective remainder of the cover flaps 19 and 20, the thickenings 44and 45 are guided inwards upon further pivoting around the longitudinalaxis A such that they seat on the intraocular lens 14 and thus foldingstabilizers are formed at least by the thickenings 44 and 45. At leastfrom then, the intraocular lens 14 is clamped to a certain extent, andupon further axial relative displacement between the cassette 6 and theclosing tips 15 and 16, further movement towards each other of the coverflaps 19 and 20 is effected such that the further intermediate positionaccording to FIG. 16 is then achieved. Therein, first, only the outerends 48 and 49 contact each other. Mechanical contact is first onlyachieved at these ends (48, 49) and the contact surfaces 52 and 53 areincidentally still disposed without contact.

These deforming and folding sequences, as they are explained in FIG. 14to FIG. 15 up to now, are an essential prerequisite for the desireddefined pre-folding of the lens 14. By the specific shaping of theinterior 11 of the support slide 10, then, it is further allowed thatstarting from the intermediate state in FIG. 16 the closed state of thecover flaps 19 and 20 can automatically appear. Due to the intrinsicdeformation of the cover flaps 19 and 20, a certain tension stateappears in the cover flaps 19 and 20. Due to the achieved abutment ofthe outer ends 48 and 49, in further movement of the cover flaps 19 and20 towards each other, abutting of the contact surfaces 52 and 53 can beautomatically achieved in the self-automatism, and the mutual support ofthe thickenings 44 and 45, outward movement, in particular outwardsnapping of these ends 44 and 45 can be achieved. Thereby, the inwardbent basic state of the flap sections 42 and 47 is then automaticallydeformed and bent outwards, in particular snapping outwards is effecteddue to the supporting forces between the thickenings 44 and 45, and theself-stabilizing and self-retaining final state according to FIG. 17 isachieved. There, the contact surfaces 52 and 53 abut on each other onfull surface, and a substantially symmetrical and round receiving spacefor the intraocular lens 14 is formed viewed in cross-section, which isonly interrupted by the hammerhead-like thickenings 44 and 45. At leastfrom the state according to FIG. 16, the ceiling side 41 is providedwith a free space formed correspondingly to the top, such that upwardsnapping of the thickenings 44 and 45 is then allowed. This is shown inthe sectional representation according to FIG. 18, in which the finalstate of the cassette 6 with the intraocular lens 14, as is shown inFIG. 17, is shown in the state disposed in the injector device 1 andthus also the device 9.

As is apparent in FIG. 18, the shaping of the outer side (19 a, 20 a) ofthe cover flaps 19 and 20 is preferably such that large-area, inparticular full-area and relatively exactly fitting abutment on guidingsurfaces 27 of the closing tips 15 and 16 is formed at least in thisfinal position.

In FIG. 19, in a perspective representation, a further embodiment of aninjector device 1 is shown. Unlike the representation in the previousembodiment, here, it is provided that the injector tube 3 is integrallyformed with the piston tube 4. This means that the two tubes 3 and 4 arefixedly connected to each other, in particular integrally formed.

Here too, the upward open receiving space 8 is formed and the device 9with a cassette 6 and a support slide 10 is inserted.

In FIG. 20, an embodiment of a packaging and transport device 54 isshown. The container in this respect is formed for receiving theinjector device 1, as it was explained in FIGS. 1 to 4, or for receivingthe injector device 1 according to FIG. 19. It is filled with acorresponding sterile liquid, wherein a corresponding sterile liquid isalready provided in the cassette 6 for flushing around the lens 14 heretoo. The container is then closed by a covering, as for example a foil,in sterile manner and can then be delivered from the manufacturer to themedical personnel in this compact configuration. The medical personnelthen only has to remove the completely loaded injector or injectordevice 1 from the device 54 and perform no further loading of theinjector device 1 with a cassette at all or optionally the removal of anintraocular lens 14 from a further separately delivered container.Thereby, the handling is substantially simplified and errors in loadingcan be avoided.

In FIG. 21, a plan view of the injector tube 3 with the injector tip 2is shown, wherein only the front area with the receiving space 8 andremoved device 9 is illustrated. In a bottom 55 of the injector tube 3,the guiding track or the guiding slit 32 is apparent. The closing tips15 and 16 are illustrated and the spaced arrangement and connection tothe bounding wall 17 with front ends 56 and 57 is shown.

In this configuration, unlike the embodiment explained heretofore, it isprovided that a rear section 22 extending up to the dashed line, formsin tapering manner. This rear section 22 includes a rear guiding surfacesection 58 of the guiding surface 27, which is formed in the manner of asteep turn. This means that it does not extend in a plane, but is formedcurved and tortuous in the space. This steep turn-like guiding surfacesection 58 extends from a rear end 23 of the closing tip 15 up to afront end 49. Thus, it extends over the entire length of the rearsection 22 of the closing tip 15. Moreover, this guiding surface section58 is configured such that a rear area end 60 is thinner or narrowerthan the middle piece 61 such that this area section 58 continuouslyexpands and increases starting from this rear end 60 and then againtapers starting from the maximum width up to the front end 59. Thus, atype of boomerang shape is virtually formed, which moreover also forms acertain winding in the manner of a helical section. Here too, theexplanation to the closing tip 15 applies to the closing tip 16 inanalogous manner since it is identically formed and a symmetricalconfiguration to the longitudinal axis A is generated.

Adjoining to the rear length section 22 of the closing tip 15, the frontlength section 25 is formed. It includes a flat top side 26, whichadjoins to the front first section 22 at an upper edge 62 of the steepturn-like guiding surface section 58.

The guiding surface 27 has a front guiding surface section 63 besidesthe steep turn-like guiding surface section 58, which extends parallelto the longitudinal axis A. As is apparent from the representation inFIG. 21, a radial distance and thus a distance perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis A between the rear ends 60 of the tips 15 and 16 islarger than a corresponding distance between the front ends 59 of thefront guiding surface section 58, wherein this smaller distance thenachieved on the front ends 59 corresponds to equal to the distancebetween the front guiding surface sections 63, which in particular thenremains constant over the entire length of the front guiding surfacesections 63.

By these guiding surface sections 63 and the spacing thereof, a guidingslit 64 is formed. The substantially closed cover flaps 19 and 20 of thecassette 6 are guided in it and retained in their position until thecassette 6 has assumed the final position achieved for the axialdisplacement direction.

In FIG. 22, a perspective reprepentation of FIG. 21 is shown.

In FIG. 23, a side view is shown, in which only the injector tip 2 andthe closing tip 16 are shown. In this respect, the contour of the outeredge of the guiding surface 27 is illustrated in the area of the guidingsurface section 58. An outer side 65 adjoining to the top side and theguiding surface section 58 is also illustrated.

In FIG. 24, a plan view of the components in FIG. 23 is shown, whereinreference is made to the explanations to FIGS. 21 to 23 with respect tothe features and configurations.

In FIG. 25, a further perspective representation of the implementationsin FIGS. 21 to 24 is shown.

The position of the closing tips 15 and 16 relative to the guide channel7 is shown.

A more accurate view is apparent in the sectional representation in FIG.26 thereto, wherein the sectional plane here includes the longitudinalaxis A.

Moreover, in FIGS. 25 to 27, the shape and curvature of the guidingsurface section 58 in the three-dimensional space is apparent in evenmore detailed manner. The crescent or boomerang-like area shape with theadditional uneven winding for configuring a steep turn-like shaping isshown.

Moreover, the curved or dome-like shape of a bottom side 66 adjoining tothe outer side 65 and the top side 26 as well as the section 58 is alsoshown. The bottom side 66 transitions into the front guiding surfacesection 63, which then joins to the top side 26. By these mentioned areaparts, a closing tip 15 and 16 is formed, respectively.

In FIG. 28, a perspective representation of the embodiment of a device 9having a cassette 6 and a support slide 10 is shown.

In FIG. 29, a perspective view is illustrated thereto, wherein thefront-side covering in the form of the covering element 12 is alreadyremoved.

In this implementation, the support slide 10 includes an upwardprotruding plate-like handle part 67, which a user can grip to be ableto displace the device 9 in the direction of the longitudinal axis Arelative to the closing tips 15 and 16 in the receiving space 8.

In the representation according to FIG. 29, the multiple guidingelements in the form of blades or locking elements 39 are illustrated,which are attached to the bottom 40.

In this embodiment, the cassette 6 is additionally formed with asecuring cover 68 besides the base part 36 and the two wing-like coverflaps 19 and 20. The securing cover 68 is preferably also integrallyformed with the other components of the cassette 6. Such a securingcover 68 can also be provided in the other implementations of cassettes6 explained heretofore.

The securing cover 68 is attached to the base part 36 pivotable relativethereto, wherein in particular a connection via a film hinge 72 (FIG.33) is provided thereto.

In the opened state of the cover flaps 19 and 20, the securing cover 68is closed. It has a hook-shaped securing bracket 69 at its front endsuch that the intraocular lens 14 cannot fall or slip out of thecassette 6 neither to the top nor to the front.

In FIG. 30, a further perspective representation of the device 9 isshown in the state inserted into the receiving space 8. The lockedarrangement is apparent, wherein the elements 39 are disposed in theguiding slit 32 thereto and extend through it such that engaging behindthe outer side of the injector tube 3 is effected with the elements 39.Thereby, the axial displacement is simplest possible and yet slipping orcanting in another spatial direction is prevented. By the flexibility ofthe elements 39, simple insertion and locking of the device 9 in thereceiving space 8 and the guiding slit 32 can be effected.

In FIG. 31, a front view of the representation in FIG. 30 is shown. Inthis respect, the position of the cassette 6 in the interior 11 isapparent.

In FIG. 32, a view from the front to the cassette 6, as it was explainedin FIGS. 28 to 31, is shown. The intraocular lens 14 is disposed thereinin the base position.

Starting from the representation in FIG. 32, the securing cover 68 canbe automatically lifted and opened. Thereto, according to therepresentation in FIG. 33, pivoting of the cover flaps 19 and 20 aroundthe longitudinal axis A is effected, wherein this is effected by thealready explained scenarios with the closing tips 15 and 16.

During this pivoting of the cover flaps 19 and 20, contact of thethickenings 44 and 45 with the securing cover 68 is then achieved.Thereto, it includes oblique lifting elements, in particular liftingflanks 70 and 71. With further closing of the cover flaps 19 and 20, thethickenings 44 and 45 slide along these oblique lifting flanks 70 and71, whereby the securing cover 68 is lifted, as it is illustrated inFIG. 33. Therein, the film hinge 72 is horizontally oriented such thatthe cover 68 is upward lifted pivotable around this axis as it isillustrated by the arrows.

In FIG. 34, a sectional representation of the perspective view in FIG.33 is shown. Therein, the intraocular lens 14 is disposed in an interior73, which is bounded by the cover flaps 19 and 20 and the base part 36in the closed state of the cover flaps 19 and 20.

In FIG. 35, a perspective representation of the injector device 1 in anoperating state is shown, in which the device 9 is disposed in thereceiving space 8 in a rear base position.

Starting from this state, in the following, the front-side covering inthe form of the covering element 12 is then removed by a user, as it isshown in FIG. 36. In the following, the device 9 with the support slide10 and the cassette 6 is then axially forward shifted towards theinjector tip 2 until it has reached the front final position accordingto the representation in FIG. 37. During this shifting operation betweenthe positions in FIG. 36 and FIG. 37, the automatic closure of thecassette 6 is achieved since the closing tips 15 and 16 engage with theinterior 11 of the support slide 10 and lift and close the cover flaps19 and 20. Therein, the intraocular lens 14 in the cassette 6 is broughtin a pre-folded state. As is apparent in FIG. 37, the securing cover 68is then also automatically lifted.

In a further step, according to the representation in FIG. 38, thepiston 5 is then forward shifted until it contacts the rear coverelement 35. It is in particular formed such that it can be pierced bythe piston 5, as it is shown in FIG. 39. Then, the elastic element 34 isshifted forward by the piston 5 and the intraocular lens 14 is contactedand then shifted out of the cassette 6 into the guide channel 7. There,it is further folded since the guide channel 7 tapers up to the outlet 7b. In a then maximally folded position, the intraocular lens 14 is thenshifted out of the injector tip 2 and shifted into the eye.

In FIGS. 40 to 44, the operating states explained based on FIGS. 35 to39 are again illustrated, wherein only the area of the injector device 1is respectively shown, which is formed forward from the receiving space8.

In FIG. 45, a further perspective representation of partial componentsof the injector device 1 is shown, wherein a state is shown here, inwhich the closing tips 15 and 16 extend linearly into the interior 11and the cover flaps 19 and 20 just contact on the outer sides (19 a, 20a) to then pivot around the axis A afterwards and bring into the closureposition.

Thereto, a further enlarged section of the representation in FIG. 45 isshown in FIG. 46. In particular, the engagement of the closing tips 15and 16 with the outer sides (19 a, 20 a) of the cover flaps 19 and 20,in particular and preferably on the outer sides of the thickenings 44and 45, is shown here too. By the specific shaping of the closing tips15 and 16, in particular the guiding surfaces 27, which is adapted tothe shaping of the outer side of the cover flaps 19 and 20, optimumpivoting operation of the cover flaps 19 and 20 without laterallyslipping past can be achieved.

It is understood that the foregoing description is that of the preferredembodiments of the invention and that various changes and modificationsmay be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An injector device for introducing an intraocularlens into an eye, the injector device defining a longitudinal axis andcomprising: an injector tip defining a through guide channel for theintraocular lens; said channel having a rear inlet and a front outlet; acassette for accommodating the intraocular lens therein; at least twoclosure tips configured for closing said cassette; and, said closuretips extending in the direction of said longitudinal axis axiallyfarther rearwardly than said rear inlet.
 2. The injector device of claim1, wherein said closure tips are spaced from each other and extendmutually parallel in the direction of said longitudinal axis and/or saidclosure tips are configured and arranged to be mutually symmetrical toeach other and to said longitudinal axis.
 3. The injector device ofclaim 1, wherein said closure tips have respective free rear lengthsections which are configured to be tapered; and, each of said rearlength sections define a curved guide surface.
 4. The injector device ofclaim 3, wherein said guide surface has a steep curve-like rear section.5. The injector device of claim 4, wherein said steep curve-like rearsection has a thin rear end; said thin rear end continuously widens upto a middle thickness and, then, from said middle thickness, said rearsection thins continuously again up to a front end thereof.
 6. Theinjector device of claim 5, wherein said steep curve-like rear sectionleads into a forward section of said guide surface; and, said forwardsection extends parallel to said longitudinal axis.
 7. The injectordevice of claim 1, wherein said closure tips have respective rear lengthsections defining corresponding guide surfaces; and, each of said guidesurfaces has a first S-shaped course in the rear length section as a topside section of a top side.
 8. The injector device of claim 7, whereineach of said guide surfaces has a second S-shaped course in the rearlength section; and, said second S-shaped course lies deeper than saidfirst S-shaped course at least in selected regions when viewed over itslength in the direction of said longitudinal axis.
 9. The injectordevice of claim 8, wherein said second S-shaped course of one of saidclosure tips faces toward the other one of said closure tips and isarranged to lie closer than said first S-shaped course.
 10. The injectordevice of claim 8, wherein said first S-shaped course and said secondS-shaped course conjointly define a transition therebetween; and, saidtransition has a stepped configuration at least in selected regionsthereof.
 11. The injector device of claim 7, wherein said guide surfacesof said closure tips have respective forward sections; said cassette hascover flaps; and, said injector device further comprises a guide slitformed at least between said forward sections for guiding in axialdirection for said cover flaps of said cassette.
 12. A method of foldingan intraocular lens in an injector device for introducing theintraocular lens into an eye, the injector device defining alongitudinal axis and including: an injector tip defining a throughguide channel for the intraocular lens; said channel having a rear inletand a front outlet; a cassette for accommodating the intraocular lenstherein and said cassette having cover flaps; and, two closure tipsextending in the direction of said longitudinal axis axially fartherrearwardly than said rear inlet; the method comprising the step of:effecting an axial relative displacement between said closure tips andsaid cassette accommodating the intraocular lens to impart a pivotingmovement to said cover flaps from an open position thereof about saidlongitudinal axis to prefold the intraocular lens in said cassette viasaid pivoting movement.